Eastman adding more plasticizer feedstock capacity

Eastman Chemical Co. will add more than 40 million pounds of plasticizer feedstock capacity at its plant in Longview, Texas, by the end of the year.

The expansion will add about 44 million pounds of annual capacity for 2-EH, an oxo-derivative that’s used as a feedstock in Eastman’s non-phthalate plasticizers, as well as in additives for fuels and lube oils. End markets for 2-EH include building and construction, transportation and medical.

The expansion also will include about 55 million pounds of annual capacity for butyraldehyde, a material related to 2-EH. Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman most recently added about 70 million pounds of 2-EH capacity in early 2012.

Eastman employs about 14,000 worldwide and posted sales of $9.4 billion in 2013. The firm’s plastic products include Tritan-brand copolyester.